Is there one word for someone who does not know how to swim?
Even better if there is one word for someone who doesn't know how to swim but dives to save a drowning person?
If no, then suggest a similar phrase.
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1Aquatically-challenged? The jumper could be call fool? (Okay, heroic fool)– bibCommented Sep 24, 2013 at 15:12
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4Related: What do you call someone who does not know how to swim? a: Bob.– Jack RyanCommented Sep 25, 2013 at 16:01
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A potential drowner. Just kidding.– user167084Commented Mar 30, 2016 at 1:56
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2 Answers
The word or someone who cannot or does not swim is non-swimmer.
I am not aware of a word for a non-swimmer who dives into try to save a drowning person. I would call them a hindrance or "a danger to themselves and others", as they will only make things worse and will mean that rescuers need to save two people, not one.
answered Sep 24, 2013 at 8:17
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Either that, or, if you're more of an optimist, you could call the diver a fast learner.– J.R.Commented Sep 24, 2013 at 10:44
According to this thread, the word "landlubber" can be used (mainly by older people) as slang for someone who can't swim, and "the Rock Squad" is US military slang for such people.
You should be careful when using Matt E Ellen's suggestion of "non-swimmer", since this word can also be used in a racist sense - see Urban Dictionary.
answered Dec 19, 2015 at 1:24
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Urban Dictionary is mostly completely made-up words invented on the spot by users. No reason to believe that "non-swimmer" is racist just because UD says so. Commented Feb 21, 2021 at 3:28